Department of Human Services

On Monday, August 14, a steady stream of sprinkling rain came down on a group from the Department of Human Services gathered at the ‘Iolani Palace bandstand. Among them were royal societies, from the Royal Order of Kamehameha, the Ka‘ahumanu Society and Hale o Nā Ali‘i. Everyone there was gathered to honor Princess Victoria Kamāmalu ...
Read More Kamāmalu Building Welcomes DHS

On Friday, June 16, Director Pankaj Bhanot spent the day on the east side of Hawai‘i Island in Hilo town. His morning began with a meeting at the Hilo Child Welfare Services (CWS) Branch. Dir. Bhanot wanted to pay a special visit to the office to share his support for the staff. He was joined ...
Read More Hello Hilo!

Department of Human Services leadership believes wholeheartedly that our department only succeeds when we strive to continuously improve. The Personnel Office is one of our keys to continuous improvement. Throughout the year, the Personnel Office offers trainings that DHS employees are encouraged to participate in. From trainings on bloodborne pathogens to verbal de-escalation, Personnel Training ...
Read More Jump on the Training Train

Gov. David Ige and his Chief of Staff Mike McCartney joined Department of Human Services (DHS) Director Pankaj Bhanot in a lively and candid discussion with Child Welfare Services (CWS) staff. Given recent media attention on the Social Services Division, the governor wished to meet with CWS staff to express his support and appreciation for ...
Read More Gov. Ige Supports CWS

Recently Ho‘opono students from two programs headed to the North Shore of O‘ahu and the east side of Hawai‘i Island. The two groups of students – one of adult learners and another of youth – proved full stop that blindness is not a barrier to success, whether on the ropes course, out on the trail ...
Read More Ho‘opono Students Break Boundaries and Open Opportunities

Much like the corrections facility he manages, Mark Patterson requires you look deeper before you form your first opinions. Patterson, Warden of the Hawai‘i Youth Correctional Facility (HYCF), may seem reserved and stoic on the surface, but his passion for transforming corrections into a way of healing will spark any room. His commitment to recreate ...
Read More Vision of Healing: HYCF Warden Wins State Manager of the Year for Inspiring Transformation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 26, 2017 Honolulu, HI – The Department of Human Services (DHS) urges low- and moderate-income families to apply for Preschool Open Doors (POD) Program. DHS opened an additional application period, which will end next Wednesday, May 31, 2017.  Applications received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July ...
Read More [ARCHIVED] Additional Open Application Period Ends May 31 for Preschool Open Doors Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 12, 2017 Honolulu, HI – Individuals and families using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards may experience downtime from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Monday, May 15, 2017. Consumers are asked to avoid making transactions during these morning hours. Consumers may resume regular use of their cards after 6 a.m. ...
Read More EBT Cards to Experience Downtime Monday, May 15

Partners in Care and Bridging the Gap announced the results of the 2017 Point-in-Time count. Results from the 2017 Hawaii Statewide Homeless Point-In-Time (PIT) conducted on January 22, 2017 revealed the following information: ● 9% overall decrease in the numbers of homeless individuals from 7,921 persons in 2016 to 7,220 persons in 2017. ● 8% ...
Read More Bridging the Gap & Partners in Care Announce 2017 Point-in-Time Results